Clifton Taulbert: A Legacy of Human Capital and Community Influence
Clifton Lamar Taulbert is a distinguished author, consultant, and former banker whose life work centers on the transformative power of community and the development of human capital—the economic value of a worker's experience and skills. From his roots in the Mississippi Delta to the halls of Harvard University, Taulbert has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through a mindset of service and resilience.
Key Facts
- Founder: President and founder of the Freemount Corporation.
- Military Service: Served in the 89th Presidential Wing of the U.S. Air Force; inducted into the Enlisted Airmen Hall of Fame.
- Education: Degrees from Oral Roberts University and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
- Literary Contribution: Author of 13 books, including Eight Habits of the Heart.
- Global Reach: Consults for entities ranging from the U.S. Department of Justice to academic leaders in China.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born in 1945 in Glen Allan, a small town located in the Mississippi Delta, Taulbert's early experiences shaped his perspective on the importance of supportive communities. He graduated from O'Bannon High School in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1963.
His pursuit of higher education led him to Oral Roberts University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He further specialized his expertise by obtaining a graduate degree from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, providing the financial foundation for his later career in banking.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Military Service and Professional Evolution
Taulbert's commitment to service extended to the United States Air Force, where he served in the 89th Presidential Wing. His exemplary service earned him a place in the Enlisted Airmen Hall of Fame.
After a career as a banker in Oklahoma, Taulbert transitioned into the world of organizational consulting. He founded the Freemount Corporation, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The firm focuses on organizational effectiveness and human capital development, helping institutions optimize their internal talent and culture.
The philosophy championed by Freemount has been adopted by a diverse array of high-profile clients, including:
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Corporate Giants: Lockheed Martin, Bank of America, and Baxter Healthcare.
- Public Utilities: Pacific Coast Gas.
- Education: K-12 and post-secondary academic leadership globally, extending from the Mississippi Delta to China.
Literary Works and Philosophical Impact
With 13 published books, Taulbert uses writing to codify his consulting philosophies. His work often emphasizes the entrepreneurial mindset—the ability to identify opportunities and take initiative regardless of one's circumstances.
Among his most influential works are Eight Habits of the Heart and Who Owns the Ice House: Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. The latter is part of a Kauffman Foundation-sponsored initiative designed to bring entrepreneurial thinking to all levels of society. More recent titles include Shift Your Thinking: Win Where You Stand and The Invitation: Living beyond the lingering lessons of race and place.
The impact of Eight Habits of the Heart was so significant that it led to an invitation for Taulbert to address members of the United States Supreme Court as a personal guest of former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Recognition and Community Leadership
Taulbert's influence is recognized globally. He has served as a guest professor and lecturer at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and the United States Air Force Academy. He has frequently emphasized that his success is a result of the unselfish community that surrounded him, asserting that the influence we have on others should never be underestimated.
His contributions have been honored by various organizations, including the Library of Congress, the NAACP, and Rotary International (as a Paul Harris Fellow). He is also a recipient of the Richard Wright Literary Award and the Jewish Humanitarian of the Year Award.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Company | Freemount Corporation (Tulsa, OK) |
| Key Specializations | Human Capital Development, Organizational Effectiveness |
| Notable Books | Eight Habits of the Heart, Who Owns the Ice House |
| Academic Affiliations | Trustee of the University of Tulsa; Guest Lecturer at Harvard |
| Military Honor | Enlisted Airmen Hall of Fame |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Freemount Corporation?
The Freemount Corporation is a consulting company founded by Clifton Taulbert that focuses on human capital development and organizational effectiveness.
Which books did Clifton Taulbert write to support his consulting philosophy?
His foundational works include Eight Habits of the Heart and Who Owns the Ice House: Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur.
What is the significance of "Who Owns the Ice House"?
This book is part of a Kauffman Foundation-sponsored education initiative aimed at exposing people at all levels to the impact of the entrepreneurial mindset.
Where did Clifton Taulbert serve in the military?
He served in the 89th Presidential Wing of the United States Air Force and was later inducted into the Enlisted Airmen Hall of Fame.
Which high-profile institutions have utilized Taulbert's philosophy?
His philosophy has been embraced by the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, and Bank of America, among others.